Alimony / Spousal
Support
Before a court can decide if you or your divorcing spouse is eligible for alimony, it must first determine each spouse's gross income, among other factors. At the Law Office of Kathleen A. DeChristopher, Esq., P.A., we utilize experts who can determine the true financial circumstances of a spouse. This can help a court determine the income amounts it will use in making the alimony award. Courts tend to have wide discretion when making spousal support judgments. By retaining the Law Office of Kathleen A. DeChristopher, Esq., P.A., you can establish the financial facts and provide persuasive testimony based on the factors of Florida spousal support.
Are You Eligible for Alimony?
Although alimony, also known as spousal support, is about money, awards depend on several factors, including:
- Length of marriage
- Age and health of each spouse
- Educational level of each spouse
- Job skills of each spouse
- Income of each spouse
- Debts of each spouse
- The standard of living enjoyed during the marriage
Generally, it is more likely that a divorcing spouse will receive alimony (and more of it) if the other spouse makes significantly more money, owns significantly more assets, is significantly better educated or more employable or does not have as many child-rearing responsibilities for children from the marriage.
Types of Alimony
In Florida, alimony can take multiple forms, depending on the circumstances:
Bridge-the-gap alimony :
Alimony that is necessary for a party to bridge the gap between married and single life. This may be used to defray
the costs of moving expenses, utility payments, and other expenses that were previously shared between the parties.
Rehabilitative alimony :
Alimony that is intended to assist a party in obtaining education, training, or employment certification that will
give that party the ability to provide for his or her own financial support.
Durational alimony :
Alimony that is used to provide a party with economic assistance for a set period of time following a marriage of
short or moderate duration. The length of time that a spouse is ordered to pay or receive durational alimony may
not exceed the length of the marriage.
Permanent alimony :
Alimony that is intended to provide for the needs of life as they were established during the parties' marriage
for a party who no longer has the financial ability to meet his or her needs following a divorce.
Let Us Do the Hard Work
Although spousal support rules are complicated and judgments are somewhat subjective, the good news is that our lawyers can do the difficult work for you. We can evaluate your circumstances and advise you on your chances for obtaining or averting alimony payments, as well as represent you in court or in alimony negotiations.
For more information, contact us online or by calling 239-634-9715 . We offer a free initial consultation.